Montrealers know their city drives many trends and evolutions in technology, recreation, culture and lifestyle — a trait that continues with the Icône condominium project being built at René-Lévesque Blvd. and de la Montagne St., a project that embodies the bold new vertical village concept in the heart of the metropolis.

Metropolitan Parking’s James Essaris and developer Michael Dickey have raised the bar with the city’s most stunning residential views, smart technology, forward-thinking design and exclusive features.

Scheduled for completion in 2016, the 38-storey Icône tower will feature 358 units ranging in size from 400-squarefoot studios to expansive three-bedroom apartments and two full floors of penthouses. It’s an offering that appeals to a broad range of homebuyers — from young professionals and students to couples and retirees looking to enjoy the proximity, vibrancy and convenience of worry-free downtown living.

With 24-hour security and four express elevators shuttling you through the vertical village, the Icône development includes lifestyle amenities not normally associated with high-rise living — like the city’s only elevated tennis court.

“Instead of looking out over a loading dock covered with gravel, ventilation systems and litter, we put down a court,” Dickey said. “You can get active outdoors, at home. With abundant sunlight we also opted for a residents’ garden, where you can grow your own herbs, or just get your hands in the soil even living in the heart of downtown.”

Icône’s full fitness room, sauna, yoga room and indoor pool help nourish the body, mind and spirit of any resident, forever banishing expensive, underused gym memberships. If you commute by bicycle, keep it tuned in the atelier before heading upstairs to relax in the terrace hot tub, then welcome guests to your special occasion in Icône’s chic party room.

Icône’s smart features include touch-screen controls to help manage your home with ease. “Smart switches can be programmed to operate upon exiting and entering, saving energy, and you will never have to enter a dark apartment again,” Dickey said, noting that it all integrates into tablet technologies. “You can upgrade to program power blinds, dim lights or power down entertainment systems and view the lobby via webcam.”

The amenities are astounding and right in the heart of the action, just steps from world-class shopping, dining, entertainment and the full breadth of Montreal’s signature attractions. “The location makes it quite exceptional,” Dickey said.

Icône extends up de la Montagne St. from René-Lévesque Blvd., while its 28-floor sister — Place Metropolitan luxury rental apartments — sits on René-Lévesque. For those seeking the vibrancy and pulse of downtown living in comfort and tranquillity, it’s paradise. For hockey fans, it’s nirvana, two blocks from the Bell Centre: You’ll stroll home after a game and watch the late news wrap-up before others even start their cars for the long commute home.

In fact, Dickey sees a real evolution of people reducing their dependence on cars and eschewing long commutes by moving closer to their workplace and social centres. “Take away a Laval commute and you save two hours a day, 10 a week,” he said. “More young people are living downtown than ever before; for many of them a car is no longer a requirement.”

The modern yet comfortable and welcoming tower fits seamlessly into the downtown core’s rich architectural legacy. With great attention to sun and wind loads, the curtain wall design features smooth corners and clean lines to maximize direct sunlight. “All units have continuous eight-foot windows for direct and indirect light,” Dickey explained, adding that north-side units feature balconies with stunning views of Mount Royal, while other sides feature recessed loggias for comfort, privacy and spectacular vistas despite a 30-storey wind factor.

Icône is the crowning achievement of Metropolitan Parking, which conceived the award-winning Hotel Le Crystal, luxury apartments and Old Montreal condos. Metropolitan has been a major player in Montreal real estate for almost 60 years, its signature properties encompassing more than 500 condo units, hotels and restaurants, including Restaurant la Coupole in Hotel Le Crystal on de la Montagne and Weinstein & Gavino’s on Crescent St.

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